Monticello Live

Congressman Mike Ross, a Democratic candidate for Governor, held a rally and “meet and greet” at the Sadie Johnson Community Center, late Tuesday afternoon.

Ross was introduced by State Representative Sheilla Lampkin, then briefly spoke to the crowd from the podium. Hey spoke to members of the crowd of 160, as barbecue sandwiches were prepared for the group.

Former Monticello Mayor Joe Rogers filed as an independent candidate, Wednesday, for the mayor’s position in the November election.

Former Mayor Joe Rogers entered the mayors race, Thursday, by filing his petition to run as an Independent in the June 24 special election.

Rogers also plans to run for the 4 year term as Mayor, in the general election, in November.

Rogers served as Mayor from 2007-2010, and runs Rogers Mens Wear.

The Republican Party of Drew County was saddened by the news this week of the death of Mayor Allen Maxwell. His service to the city of Monticello and the Great State of Arkansas are to be applauded.  Whichever side you fall on politically it is always a sacrifice to serve the people while in office.

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Chris Barnett of the Green Hill community has announced her candidacy for District 6 Justice of the Peace on the Drew County Quorum Court.

Barnet, a lifelong Drew County resident, is a 1971 graduate of Wilmar High School and received a cosmetology degree in 1972. For the past 42 years, she has worked in hair salons and operated a hairstyling business out of her home. She currently owns Chris’ Hair Care in Monticello.

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Monticello native Patricia (Ferrell) Mays has announced that she will be a candidate for the Arkansas House of Representatives District 10 in the 2014 general election on the Republican ticket.

“I decided to run for House of Representatives because there is a need for legislators who will pass laws that align with the values of the citizens they represent. I believe that our representatives should be aware of the current issues, gather all the relevant facts, solicit input from all of their constituents then make the best decision that they can based on the available information,” Mays said.

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A Monticello parks committee member, who twice has attempted a run for City Council, recently posted on FaceBook the possiblilty of seeking the office of Monticello Mayor.

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With all 19 of voting precincts counted, here are the final, but unofficial election results for the extension of the County Road Tax. (more…)

Several current quorum court members, and even a retired JP were present for the posting of Tuesday night’s election returns.

Click below for precint totals.

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New County Judge Robert Akin, being congratulated by former candidate Jessie Griffin, Tuesday night.

Robert Akin, the independent candidate, won Tuesday night’s run-off election and will be the next Drew County Judge.

Robin Hood, the chief deputy of the Sheriff’s Dept. won the general election, but lost to Akin in the run-off.

The final,unofficial ballot totals by voting wards are posted below.

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Former Drew County Judge candidate Jessie Griffin,this morning, endorsed Robert Akin for that position in the upcoming run-off election.

Griffin told MLive, “I’m supporting Robert because he’s the best candidate in the race.  Robert is a good honest man, who has good experience to serve in the position of county judge.  Robert ran a very clean campaign, and will do a good job for the county.  I feel Robert is the best choice for Drew County judge, and encourage everyone who supported me to vote for Robert Akin in the run-off election.”

Griffin also pointed out, contrary to rumors, if Akin is elected, Griffin will not be given a job with the county.

Today, MonticelloLive will be running “Meet the Candidates” articles with the County Judge Candidates.

Learn more about the men that are seeking the office of Drew County Judge, and then VOTE?

Larry Allen of Monticello was the drawing winner for a Remington model 770 Youthmaster 243 rifle.

The drawing was held as a part of the Robin Hood for Judge Campaign.

Political ad paid for by Robin Hood for Drew County Judge.

The Leadership Council of Ward 1 are hosting a Candidates Forum, featuring Candidates For Drew County Judge, tonight, Monday, October 22nd, at 6 pm at Revival Center’s Alpha Brooks Fellowship Hall, 311 South Pine St.

Candidates Jesse Griffin, Robert Akin and Robin Hood all plan to attend.

MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

Candidates Frank Appleberry and Rene Knowles notified the group that they had previous engagements at the time the meeting was scheduled.

Drew Memorial Hospital’s new Surgery Center became a much clearer vision, with Tuesday passage of the continuatino of the current millage for the local hospital, by a 2 to 1 margin.

DMH CEO Mike Layfield was busy calling board members and staff of the hsospital to thank them for their efforts, describing the successful outcome as, “A giant step forward for health services at Drew Memorial Hospital, and an improvement of the overall health of the citizens of Drew County.”

Here are the FINAL, but UNOFFICIAL election results for the proposed extension of the Drew Memorial Hospital millage, voted on, Tuesday, by Drew County voters……………..

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Today is Voting Day for the proposed millage extension for Drew Memorial Hospital.  If passed by voters, these funds will be used to construct a new, updated surgery center for the local hospital. 

Hospital supporters key phrase during recent months has been, “This is not a new tax.”  It is a continuation of the current millage that supports local medical care at Drew Memorial.

A total of 212 votes were cast

There are two questions on the ballots, shown below, and you will make a total of 5 “button pushes” in the entire voting process.

“I didn’t come into this job thinking it would turn into an elected position one day.”

Tonya Loveless was born in Jonesboro, AR and raised here in Monticello by parents Van and Karen Brown, along with her four siblings.

“My family was awesome. We did a lot of camping, fishing, and hunting. I think I was on a deer stand before I was bigger than my rifle. We loved water skiing and boating and having so many siblings made everything fun… I had a pretty good life.” “My grandparents were great, they were here in Monticello. (Albert and Willie Mae Hobbs, and Jim and Toni Holcomb – they were a big part of my life. I was rotten because they treated me so great.” “Willie Mae is my last living grandparent.”

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Future Treasurer Charles Searcy Addresses TEA Party from MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

TEA Party Questions Searcy from MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

Searcy Speaks to TEA Party – Closing from MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

MLive usually doesn’t post editorials, but the discussion about Charles Searcy’s upcoming position as Drew County Treasurer has drawn an amazing amount of debate.

With over 30 comments posted, it seems all positions on this topic have been thoroughly discussed;  but here are a few that deserve to be mentioned.  (more…)

It’s almost time to GO VOTE, and then GO VOTE, and then GO VOTE.

There are 3 unrelated election days approaching Drew County in the next 2 months.
September 18, Drew Central School Board Election,
October 9, the Drew Memorial Hospital Millage Extension, and
November 6, Nationwide general election.

Here’s more information on each individual election…….

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Jason Cater DVM is announcing his candidacy for Drew Central School Board, Zone 3.

Cater is a 1996 Honor Graduate of DCHS and a 2000 Honor Graduate of UAM. He graduated from Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009. “I have deep family ties to Drew Central Schools including my two sons who are in elementary school as the 3rd generation of Drew Central Pirates.

“It is my desire to serve on the school board to help move the school into a positive direction for the future. In addition to my advanced education, I have 12 years of experience successfully managing my own business with my wife, Sara. Growing up on a farm taught me the value of hard work, family, and education. This life training will help me make wise decisions about all aspects of the school district, including the financial concerns. I enjoy working with people and have the positive future of Drew Central at heart. I assure you that if I am indeed elected to the Drew Central School Board, I will serve faithfully and do my best to represent the voters in Zone 3. Please vote for me, Jason Cater DVM. I will appreciate each vote.”